Implantable systems and methods for acquisition and processing of electrical signals

Abstract

Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an electrical signal processor for acquisition and processing of electric signals from tissue. The electrical signal processor is sized and configured to be implanted in subcutaneous tissue. The electrical signal processor includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case, the control circuitry including a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving a first radio frequency wireless telemetry to recharge the power source, and an antenna for receiving a second radio frequency wireless telemetry for communication with the electrical signal processor.

1. A system comprising:
 a lead configured to be implanted in a tissue of a patient; 
 at least one electrode electrically coupled to the lead; 
 an electrical signal processor electrically coupled to the lead, wherein the electrical signal processor is configured to be implanted in tissue remote from the at least one electrode, the electrical signal processor comprising:
 a housing, wherein the housing comprises a header, 
 electrical signal sensing circuitry positioned within the housing, wherein the electrical signal sensing circuitry is configured to acquire electrical signals from the at least one electrode, 
 a rechargeable power source positioned within the housing and configured to supply power to the electrical signal processor, 
 a receive coil positioned within the housing and configured to transcutaneously receive a radio frequency magnetic field configured to recharge the rechargeable power source, and 
 an antenna positioned within the header of the housing and configured to communicate via radio frequency wireless telemetry; and 
 
 an external programmer configured to generate the radio frequency magnetic field and transcutaneously transmit the radio frequency magnetic field to the receive coil of the electrical signal processor to recharge the rechargeable power source, wherein the radio frequency magnetic field is defined by a frequency between about 30 KHz and about 300 KHz, and wherein the external programmer is further configured to communicate via the radio frequency wireless telemetry with the electrical signal processor, wherein the radio frequency wireless telemetry uses a frequency between about 402 MHz and about 405 MHz. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external programmer is configured to transcutaneously transmit the radio frequency magnetic field to the electrical signal processor to recharge the rechargeable power source and simultaneously communicate with the electrical signal processor via the radio frequency wireless telemetry. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external programmer is configured to initiate electrical signal sensing by the electrical signal sensing circuitry to acquire the electrical signals. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external programmer comprises a charging coil, the charging coil comprising between about 150 turns and about 250 turns of six strands of number 36 enameled magnetic wire. 
     
     
       5. The system of  4 , wherein the charging coil has a diameter of between about 40 mm and about 60 mm, and a thickness as measured perpendicular to a mounting plane of between about 2 mm and about 5 mm. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising: an implantable pulse generator configured to generate electrical stimulation delivery to the patient, wherein the external programmer is configured to activate, via the radio frequency wireless telemetry, the implantable pulse generator to generate the electrical stimulation. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the external programmer is configured to allow the patient to adjust only predetermined characteristics defining the electrical stimulation. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the external programmer is configured to communicate with the electrical signal processor via the radio frequency wireless telemetry at a distance of about two meters away from the electrical signal processor.